Warrnambool City Council will again play an active role in the annual Summerbool operation, carrying out regular patrols of Warrnambool’s popular foreshore area and CBD.

This summer’s operation will target alcohol consumption in prohibited times and areas, anti-social behaviour, dogs off-leash or in prohibited zones and smoking bans on patrolled beaches, as well as vandalism, parking infringements and excessive noise.

Anti-smoking laws were introduced to patrolled beaches across Victoria earlier this month. Under the Victorian Tobacco Act smoking is now unlawful within a 50-metre radius of red and yellow lifesaving flags.

Local laws officers will be responsible for enforcing the ban and anyone smoking in the designated smoke-free areas could be fined up to $141.

Alcohol consumption restrictions will be enforced along the beach and foreshore areas, prohibiting alcohol consumption from the foreshore promenade to the sea and between the Flume and Pavilion carpark.

At Lake Pertobe, alcohol consumption is also prohibited between 2pm and 4pm and 10pm and 11am in all areas, including the reserve on the south side of Pertobe Road.

The central business district is off limits for people consuming unsealed liquor or having it in their possession on any road, or in any municipal place within the CBD.

Local laws co-ordinator Peter McArdle said the Summerbool program was often praised by locals and visitors alike for making them feel safer during the busy summer season.

“The patrols provide a constant presence in public areas to help ensure everyone is doing the right thing and having a good time,” he said.

Mr McArdle said the start of the holiday period was a good time for residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with the seasonal restrictions.